According to the dictionary, the meaning of orthodontics is: dentistry aimed at the development of regular teeth. With knowledge of the classical languages the word orthodontics can be traced back: “ortho” is the Greek word for law and “odontos” is Greek for tooth. The goal of orthodontics (dental regulation) is to obtain well-functioning and regular teeth that look beautiful and can be kept clean. But that’s only half the story. The official name for an orthodontist is ‘secialist in dentomaxillary orthopedics’. That name shows that orthodontics is not only concerned with the regulation of teeth, but also with growth and growth modification of the jaws. Below is a number of animations shown what can be achieved by orthodontic treatment
Lack of space for the incisors.
Two small molars had to be removed for the correction
Irregular stance with a large gap between the upper incisors that prevents the canines from breaking through properly
Large overbite due to a recessed lower jaw
Reverse bite of an upper incisor with a shift from the center of the dental arch to the leftWhat is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who, after studying dentistry, has followed a four-year full-time specialist training at the university to become a specialist in Dento-Maxillary Orthopedics (Orthodontics). Abroad there are also specialist training courses for orthodontists lasting three years after the dental study.
The dental training and the orthodontic specialization therefore last at least 9 years and earlier even 10 years. After being registered in the Specialists Register, the orthodontist no longer works as a dentist, but only deals with orthodontics.
Orthodontic practices are quite different from each other. Some practices are very large and many people work there. But there are also small practices where the orthodontist has one or two employees.
The orthodontic practice mainly treats children.
The treatment process begins with your orthodontist taking molds of your teeth and carefully creating your clear aligners similar to the way an artist creates a masterpiece.
Orthodontics is a recognized specialization in dentistry. Orthodontists are concerned with the position of the teeth and the relationship between the upper jaw and lower jaw. The most well-known form of orthodontics are ‘blocks’ . Besides cubes, there are many other ways to improve the tooth position or influence the jaw relationship and the growth of the jaws. In adulthood, surgery may also be necessary to obtain a beautiful and functional result.
When and why orthodontics?It is often thought that orthodontics is only about aesthetics , about making the row of teeth more beautiful. This is one – and certainly not an unimportant – aspect of orthodontics. Who doesn’t want a beautiful, radiant smile? Yet orthodontics is also about functionality . A ‘wrong bite’ can cause problems at a young and old age. For example, the lower teeth bite the palate and cause wounds or the teeth do not touch each other when trying to put them together (an open bite that prevents you from chewing enough). Also temporomandibular joint problems can be caused by an incorrect or forced bite. Such problems can be solved with the help of orthodontics. In addition, a straight row of teeth is much easier to brush, which will prevent cavities in the long run
However, nowadays it is very difficult for patients to tell the difference between a bracket dentist and an orthodontist. Orthodontist is a protected title. This means that you may only call yourself an orthodontist if you have completed the four-year specialization as an orthodontist and have subsequently registered in the specialist register. Bracket dentists often call themselves: bracket dentist, ortho specialist, orthodontic specialist, orthodontic specialist. These names make it very difficult for patients to find out whether they are an orthodontist or a bracket dentist.
What are the benefits of orthodontics?
- The reason for starting a brace treatment can be aesthetic or functional.
- Often it is not so black and white, but the reason for treatment is a bit of both.
- Functional:
- better functioning of your chewing function,
- promoting your oral hygiene,
- better distribution of chewing force (resulting in less wear of the teeth),
- improving the position of teeth and molars before the dentist makes corrections to the teeth (for example in preparation before placing crowns, bridges or implants),
- Prevent or resolve gum trauma when the teeth overlap very far when biting close (deep bite),
- solve limited freedom of movement of the lower jaw.
- Aesthetic: creating a beautiful smile and enhancing your self-esteem.
- It is true that not every abnormality requires treatment. In adulthood, however, overbite correction with the help of growth is no longer possible, and insurance often no longer pays after 18 years. This does not matter if there is no treatment, but it does if it is delayed. We are happy to inform you about this during the first consultation.Does it hurt?
- Placing a brace does not hurt. Once the brace is worn, it does take time to get used to it. During the first days, teeth and molars can be sensitive while eating. Furthermore, especially in the beginning, the braces can cause irritation spots on the cheeks and lips, which generally disappear by themselves: the inside of the mouth adapts to the orthodontic appliances. If necessary, wax can be used to soften this somewhat. If the braces are adjusted, the teeth may feel more sensitive or different again. Braces don’t hurt, sometimes it’s just a bit difficult.an I function and / or exercise normally?
Fixed bracket:
Yes, with a fixed bracket you can function normally and play sports.
Removable braces:
It is recommended not to wear removable braces during sports.
Removable braces can affect speech; the extent to which this happens depends on the type of braces and the intensity with which they are worn (in general: the more / better worn, the better the speech).Can it affect the use of musical instruments?
No, but there is an adaptation period of approximately 2-3 weeks. Exception: wind instruments that are played exceptionally intensively (2 to 3 hours a day) and where the mouthpiece rests against the teeth can have an effect. Discuss this with the orthodontist.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
In any case, shorter than before. Because we use new techniques in our practice and pay a lot of attention to efficiency in the treatment, the treatment time is considerably shortened, without making concessions to the result or stability: many treatments last less than 1 year to 2 years. Read more about the technology we use.(In general, it can be said that an orthodontic treatment of 2 to 2.5 years can be seen as normal; if it takes less than 2 years, this is considered a quickly expired treatment; a treatment that lasts longer than 3 years is almost never before.) It is never possible to estimate exactly how long a treatment will take. It depends very much on the severity of the problem, the time of the start of the treatment, the possible growth, the adaptability, but also the perseverance and cooperation of the patient influence the duration of the treatment. Other factors such as the biological response of the teeth, jaws and mouth muscles are also sometimes difficult to estimate.
There are various reasons for going to an orthodontist. You go to an orthodontist when the teeth are far forward or crooked, there is too little or too much space in the teeth or when your teeth do not fit together properly and you cannot chew optimally. Especially the aesthetics of regular teeth and a beautiful smile ensure that many find their way to the orthodontist.
No more problems with crooked teeth and molars.
No longer suffer from incorrect stress on the jaw muscles.
No longer suffer from a wrong position of the jaws.
The costs for dental treatment are determined each year by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa). However, that does not mean that you pay the same rates everywhere. The costs per treatment can also differ. Consult the table below for an overview of the rates.
Dental treatment for orthodontics
AirSmile
One of the invisible braces. An AirSmile brace is a transparent cover that we place over your teeth. You will receive a new AirSmile braces twice a month, because the position of your teeth is constantly changing. The Airsmile is also suitable for nighttime teeth grinding.
Invisalign
The Invisalign is a different kind of invisible brace. This variant is suitable for children and adults. You will regularly receive a new aligner to support the changes in your teeth. The Invisalign is also suitable for multiple dental problems.
Lock shackle
The most famous of the brackets: the clasp shackle. The dentist for orthodontics sticks a so-called lock on each tooth and selects and places a thread in it. At the molars we pull this wire taut, so that we can change the position of your teeth.
Outboard bracket
Do you suffer from an overbite or is there not enough space in the back of your mouth? With an outboard bracket we inhibit the growth of the upper jaw and provide more space. With an outboard bracket you wear a hat.
When to the ortho?
Below are some situations where it is wise to schedule an appointment with a dentist for orthodontics:
Your upper front teeth protrude and this causes complaints. These teeth are more likely to be damaged.
Your lower and upper jaw do not fit together properly, which can lead to the wrong bite.
Your teeth don’t fit together properly, putting the wrong strain on your jaw muscles.
Orthodontics results
With orthodontics we can adjust the position of your teeth so that you:
No longer suffer from an overbite.Orthodontics is a part of dentistry that focuses on the examination and treatment of problems with the jaw and dental position. Many patients have a combination of an incorrect position of the jaw and teeth. These problems are treated by the use of orthodontic appliances (braces).
Orthodontic treatment can, by straightening teeth, reduce the risk of caries and gum disease and improve chewing function. The word orthodontist comes from two ancient Greek words. Orthos, which means “straight” and Odontos, which means “tooth”.
To become an orthodontist, you have to follow a 4-year full-time specialist course in Dento Maxillary Orthopedics after your (now) 6-year study in dentistry. As a result, orthodontists have the most knowledge and skills for correcting abnormalities in the position of teeth and molars and growth abnormalities of the jaws. This is in contrast to dentists who have only followed orthodontic training.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry responsible for the treatment of malocclusion in children and adults. Properly performed orthodontic treatment guarantees not only a nice and aesthetic smile, but also prevents the development of speech defects, bite, caries, periodontal diseases and disorders in the temporomandibular joint.
The most common indications for orthodontic treatment are:
- crowding of teeth
- horizontal displacements of the maxilla relative to the mandible
- deep bite
- open bite
- defects of the temporo mandibular joint
Age And Orthodontics
Braces can be worn at any age – there are no age restrictions for orthodontic treatment! It is true that orthodontists are most often visited by children aged 8-12, who are referred by a pediatrician, dentist, ENT specialist or speech therapist, and then treatment of detected malocclusion can be started. However, nothing stands in the way of effective orthodontic treatment in an adult, regardless of age, because modern methods of orthodontic treatment make it possible.
How Is Orthodontic Treatment Going?
Orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation. An orthodontic treatment plan is developed based on the collected information, performed X-ray diagnostics and the patient’s expectations.
At a later stage, the patient is fitted with an orthodontic appliance. During treatment, the patient must regularly come to check-ups – usually every 4-8 weeks. After removing the fixed braces, the patient receives retention splints, which are to preserve the treatment effect.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion can be divided into:
- Overshot bite
- Deep bite
- Undershot
- Cross bite
- Open bite
- Crowding
- Teeth separated
- Depending on the diagnosis, appropriate orthodontic treatment is implemented.
Orthodontic Appliances
An orthodontic appliance is designed to heal a malocclusion, restore a physiological short circuit between the maxilla and the mandible, align and properly position the teeth in the dental arches. Fixed orthodontic appliances are divided into: standard – metal, antiallergic – titanium, aesthetic, self ligating, lingual and transparent. Fixed appliances, unlike removable appliances, which are worn at night, are worn around the clock.
Modern orthodontics – the DAMON System
The Cichoń Implantology and Aesthetic Dentistry Center recommends DAMON ligature-free appliances that ensure effective and efficient orthodontic therapy. The ligature-free technique is a seven-mile step in the development of orthodontics and consists in closing the arch in the bracket’s slit with a special flap, instead of tying it with a ligature (elastic band). The arc moves freely, significantly eliminating friction, especially in the initial phase of treatment. For the patient, this means a shorter time of wearing the braces, fewer follow-up visits, minimal pain and most importantly: the arch is extended transversely, therefore, most often there is no need to remove premolars (four). Hygiene is also easier because there are no elastic ligatures that make it difficult to remove the accumulated sediment.DAMON system vs. traditional systems:
shorter treatment time and fewer follow-up visits
pain reduction to a minimum
faster improvement of the position of the teeth – the effects are visible after the first month
easier maintenance of proper hygiene – no ligatures
usually without tooth extraction
more effective treatments for both children and adults.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dealing with the treatment of malocclusion, maxillofacial defects and the correction of dental defects.
Orthodontic treatment consists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all dental and occlusal defects. The braces can be worn from the age of 8, and there is no upper age limit. There are different types of orthodontic appliances, which can be broadly divided into removable and fixed appliances. Orthodontic appliances from the first group bring results a little slower, the second ones a bit faster, but both lead to straight teeth.
Patients are afraid of the pain associated with orthodontic treatment and find it long and monotonous to wait for the results. Modern treatment methods used with the use of innovative solutions allow you to quickly achieve the desired effect, reducing pain to a minimum.
Before Treatment
The treatment we were to undertake together was to shift the teeth to the right again and restore the area after the four removed. Usually, this is done with the help of additional devices placed on the palate, which are designed to widen the arches and distalize the lateral teeth in this patient’s right. However, the patient was not willing to wear them. So we decided to try to correct the asymmetry with the self-ligating fixed apparatus in the Damon system with the support of carrying the lifts.
It is a modern type of fixed appliance, the brackets of which have a unique structure and allow to act on the patient’s teeth in a faster and more comfortable way than in the case of a traditional ligated appliance. With its help, I expanded my patient’s upper dental arch, and I also created a place for the missing tooth. As a result, the centerline of the upper arch was reconstructed, i.e. all the teeth moved to where they should be. The symmetry of the arch has also been restored, and an implant will be inserted into the resulting gap. It was also possible to widen the jaw and get out of a cross bite on the right side. The therapy is still ongoing because the patient’s teeth are still deflected.
During treatment
The second treatment course that could be considered is to remove the right top four. Then also the centerline would be recreated and the arch symmetry restored. Such treatment would even be simpler to perform. It would also be easier to fight tooth deflection. On the other hand, the patient would lose another healthy tooth, which is certainly not beneficial. There was also the question of whether the bottom two fours would not need to be removed then as well. Both arches would thus become significantly narrower. Together with the patient, we gave up on additional extractions – the patient did not consent to her.
Of course, the patient is aware that despite the treatment, the teeth may remain slightly raised. This was clearly stated to her at the very beginning, before we moved on to putting on the camera. In adulthood, orthodontic treatment with the use of braces alone has limited possibilities of obtaining effects, due to the insight into the completed stage of growth and the difficult possibility of modeling the bones of the maxilla and mandible. Therefore, such defects are best treated in childhood, possibly in adolescence – then rather without carrying out asymmetric extractions. If the patient came to me at the age of 15, we would most likely recreate the space for a crowded three by extending and distalizing, that is, shifting the lateral left teeth backwards, which would be the most optimal.
Of course, tooth extraction is sometimes unavoidable, for example, it should be considered in very crowded conditions, especially if we consider treatment in the period after the end of growth. The teeth set in such a way can also be set evenly in the full set, but it can be achieved at the cost of their large deflection and unfavorable changes in facial features. Then treatment with tooth extraction can be considered.
The non-sectional treatment that we have carried out is also somewhat of a compromise, but the effect we managed to achieve is still good and more natural and aesthetic than if we were to remove the next fours. It satisfies the patient and it coincides with the goal we have set in the treatment plan
